Soft Tissue Anesthesia Research Articles

Proposed mechanism of action for twin mix anaesthesia when used as intra-space pterygomandibular injection for inferior alveolar nerve block with emphasis on effects of perineural injection of dexamethasone

There has been recent research on the use of dexamethasone as an adjunct to local anaesthetics to enhance the block characteristics and improve post-operative pain outcomes. Numerous studies have shown that perineural dexamethasone improves post-operative analgesia, along with other clinical benefits. Intra-space pterygomandibular twin mix anaesthesia is a novel technique for inferior alveolar nerve block used for mandibular anaesthesia. Twin mix anaesthesia has its advantages in shortening the latency and prolonging the duration of the soft tissue anaesthesia, along with improving the quality of life in the post-operative period after mandibular oral surgical procedures. The concern regarding the use of perineural dexamethasone has been discussed.

Anesthetic efficacy of the infraorbital nerve block in maxillary incisors and premolars using 2% lidocaine with epinephrine 1:80,000

Objectives: The authors conducted a clinical-trial, uncontrolled study to determine infraorbital nerve block effectiveness. Material and methods: Nineteen adult volunteers received 1.8 mL of lidocaine 2% with epinephrine 1:80,000 with an intraoral, infraorbital nerve block. Researchers used an electric pulp tester to measure pulp anesthesia in maxillary incisors and premolars. Participants reported soft tissue anesthesia and discomfort during the injection procedure; anesthesia onset time and its duration were also assessed and analyzed. Authors analyzed data using STATA statistical program 9®. Results: Most of the subjects in our trial were 21 years old (30%); the number of female participants (n = 12 - 60%) was greater than that of male participants. Authors evaluated pain perception when injecting anesthesia with a visual analogue scale (VAS), fi nding that 57.9% of patients (n = 11) categorized the pain as moderate (in a scale of 3-6). When assessing anesthesia success, it was observed that a greater number of canine teeth and first premolars (57.9%, n = 9 - CI 95%) were anesthetized. The authors also observed a significant greater number of nonresponse (non-anesthetized) cases in central and lateral incisors (100-84.2%, respectively). Anesthesia onset was at 12 to 19 minutes, with canines exhibiting the largest number of anesthetized reports with 47.4%. There was a 100% incidence of subjective feeling of soft tissue anesthesia in lower eyelid skin, skin of the nose and skin of the upper lip. Authors noted that 100% of the subjects rated it as unpleasant (VAS). Conclusions: Infraorbital anesthesia technique achieved successful anesthesia in only 57.9% of upper canines and first premolars; it proved ineffective for anesthetizing central and lateral incisors. This was demonstrated after these teeth were evaluated using rigorous pulp vitality testing. Soft tissue anesthesia occurred and it was classified as uncomfortable. Authors consider that usefulness of infraorbital nerve block technique in dentistry was questionable.

Evaluation of Efficacy of Intraligamentary Injection Technique for Extraction of Mandibular Teeth-A Prospective Study.

Fear of dental pain is one of the most common reasons for delaying dental treatment. Local Anaesthesia (LA) is the most commonly employed technique of achieving pain control in dentistry. Pterygomandibular Nerve Block (PNB), for achieving mandibular anaesthesia has been the traditional technique used and is associated with a few set of complications which include pain, nerve injury, trismus, and rarely facial nerve palsy, and sustained soft tissue anaesthesia. These complications have resulted in a rapid need for research on alternative local anaesthetic techniques. This study was undertaken with the objective to determine pain, duration, profoundness and complications associated with administration of Intraligamentary Injection Technique (ILT). This study was conducted on 194 patients (male=122, female=72) who reported for dental extractions in mandibular posteriors. The ILT was administered with ligajet intraligamentary jet injector using cartridge containing lignocaine hydrochloride 2% with adrenaline 1:80000 and a 30 gauge needle at buccal (mesiobuccal), lingual, mesial and distal aspect of the mandibular molars. The data was analyzed by using statistical computer software SPSS 11.0 (Statistical package for social sciences 11.O version of SPSS Inc.). Median was derived for Pain on Injection (PI) and Pain during Procedure (PP). Mean and standard deviation was derived for Duration of Anaesthesia (DA). Various advantages were seen such as, localized soft tissue anaesthesia, decreased PI (SD=0.83), and minimal PP (SD=0.94). The DA (SD=4.62) and mean value of 24.06 minutes. This study is one of its kinds where intraligamentary injection has been used for extraction of mandibular molars. It was also successfully used in patients with exaggerated gag reflex and patients suffering from trismus due to oral submucous fibrosis. The intraligamentary injection technique can thus be used effectively to anaesthetize mandibular molars, as a primary technique for extraction of mandibular posterior teeth.

Double versus single cartridge of 4% articaine infiltration into the retro-molar area for lower third molar surgery.

BackgroundThere are no studies regarding 4% articaine infiltration injection into the retro-molar area for an impacted lower third molar (LITM) surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of infiltration using 1.7 ml (single cartridge: SC) of 4% articaine versus 3.4 ml (double cartridges: DC) of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine in LITM surgery.MethodThis study involved 30 healthy patients with symmetrical LITM. The patients were assigned to receive either a DC or SC of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine as a local anesthetic for each operation. Onset, duration, profoundness, need for additional anesthetic administration, total volume of anesthetic used, vitality of the tooth, and pain score during operation were recorded.ResultsThe DC of 4 % articaine had a significantly higher success rate (83.3%) than did the SC (53.3%; P < 0.05). The duration of soft tissue anesthesia was longer in the DC group. The intra-operative pain was higher in the SC group with a significant (P < 0.05) requirement for a supplementary local anesthetic.ConclusionWe concluded that using DC for the infiltration injection had a higher success rate, longer duration of anesthesia, less intra-operative pain, and a lower amount of additional anesthesia than SC in the surgical removal of LITM. We recommend that a DC of 4% articaine and a 1:100,000 epinephrine infiltration in the retro-molar region can be an alternative anesthetic for LITM surgery.

Efficacy of Exclusive Lingual Nerve Block versus Conventional Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Achieving Lingual Soft-tissue Anesthesia.

Objective:The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to assess the efficacy of exclusive lingual nerve block (LNB) in achieving selective lingual soft-tissue anesthesia in comparison with conventional inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB).Materials and Methods:A total of 200 patients indicated for the extraction of lower premolars were recruited for the study. The samples were allocated by randomization into control and study groups. Lingual soft-tissue anesthesia was achieved by IANB and exclusive LNB in the control and study group, respectively. The primary outcome variable studied was anesthesia of ipsilateral lingual mucoperiosteum, floor of mouth and tongue. The secondary variables assessed were (1) taste sensation immediately following administration of local anesthesia and (2) mouth opening and lingual nerve paresthesia on the first postoperative day.Results:Data analysis for descriptive and inferential statistics was performed using SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0, Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Released 2013) and a P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. In comparison with the control group, the study group (LNB) showed statistically significant anesthesia of the lingual gingiva of incisors, molars, anterior floor of the mouth, and anterior tongue.Conclusion:Exclusive LNB is superior to IAN nerve block in achieving selective anesthesia of lingual soft tissues. It is technically simple and associated with minimal complications as compared to IAN block.

Pain Reduction in Untreated Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis Using Liposomal Bupivacaine (Exparel): A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind Trial

IntroductionIn the treatment of patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, endodontic debridement is a predictable method to relieve pain. However, there are clinical situations in which emergency care cannot be provided immediately. An unexplored treatment option in these cases may be the use of a long-acting anesthetic to reduce pain in untreated irreversible pulpitis. Some medical studies have shown potential for infiltrations of liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel; Pacira Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA) to prolong pain relief and reduce opioid use postoperatively. The Food and Drug Administration has approved Exparel only for infiltrations; therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare an infiltration of liposomal bupivacaine versus bupivacaine for pain control in untreated, symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. MethodsNinety-five emergency patients received 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine via infiltration or an inferior alveolar nerve block to relieve their initial presenting pain. Patients then randomly received either 4 mL liposomal bupivacaine (13.3 mg/mL) or 4 mL 0.5% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine by infiltration. Patients received a diary for the day of the appointment and 3 days postinjection to record soft tissue numbness, pain levels, and analgesic (non-narcotic and narcotic) use. ResultsNo significant differences (P < .05) were found between the 2 anesthetic formulations for pain or the use of pain medications. A statistically higher level of soft tissue numbness was found on days 1 to 3 for the liposomal bupivacaine group. ConclusionsAlthough liposomal bupivacaine had some effect on soft tissue anesthesia, it did not reduce pain to manageable clinical levels in patients presenting with untreated, symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

The Effect of Phentolamine on Reversing Soft Tissue Anesthesia

Long-lasting numbness of soft tissues such as lips, tongue, and cheeks after dental anesthesia is not only unpleasant but has the potential to cause self-inflicted damage to the numb tissue. Phentolamine mesylate, when injected in vicinity to the site of local anesthesia, accelerates the absorption of local anesthesia. Dental use of this drug was approved in the United States and Canada in 2008 and 2014, respectively. The rapidly increasing popularity of this novel technology (intraoral phentolamine injections) warrants a health technology assessment for clinicians. A medical librarian conducted a systematic literature search (up to March 1, 2016) for any clinical study involving intraoral phentolamine injection. Meta-analysis of the efficacy data from 4 clinical studies supports the role of intraoral phentolamine injections in shortening the duration of numbness after local anesthesia. No publication bias was found in the selected studies. The selected studies identified no serious adverse events other than pain at the site of injection and some postprocedural pain. Our cost-effectiveness analysis shows phentolamine mesylate to be an effective treatment modality when compared with no treatment, sham, or placebo injection. Phentolamine mesylate incurs an additional cost (in US dollars) of $0.13 to $0.16 per minute of reversing the soft tissue local anesthesia and $0.38 to $0.46, when compared with sham or placebo injection, after a noninvasive dental procedure. The literature lacked substantial evidence in favor of clinical benefits, such as a decrease in self-inflicted injuries. Only a subgroup of the dental patient population undergoing specific dental procedures would benefit from accelerated recovery from numbness. Knowledge Transfer Statement: Intraoral phentolamine to reverse numbness is a new intervention with ambiguous utility. With consideration of cost and patient preference, evidence generated by this report may be used in clinical decision making and case selection for this intervention.

Retrospective analysis of anesthesia service for earthquake-stricken in Nepal

Objective. Retrospective analysis of anesthesia service while rescuing specialized surgical and traumatological operation for earthquakestricken in Nepal (2015). Materials and methods . Team of Russian doctors of GBUZ NII NDHiT DZ of Moscow rescued specialized medical operation for earthquake-stricken in Nepal from 30.04.2015 to 18.05.2015. The team sonsisted of 7 doctors: 2 surgeons, 2 traumatologists, 1 neurosurgeon and 2 anesthesiologists. The last ones performed 235 anesthesia at 59 patients (32 adults at the age of 36 ± 14 years and 27 children at the age of 7,5 ± 4 years with different surgical pathology). Results . From the whole number of anesthesia, there were 98 (41,7 %) inhalational anesthesia; 44(18,7 %) intravenous anesthesia; 39 (16,6 %) combined (intravenous and inhalational with regional anesthesia); 36 (15,3 %) regional anesthesia; 18 (7,7 %) endotracheal anesthesia. At the phase of wound process preparation to plastic closing at children, mostly intravenous and inhalational anesthesia were used, and regional anesthesia at adults. At the phase of plastic closing of soft-tissue defects endotracheal or combined anesthesia were used. In presence of orthopedic trauma and reposition with osteosynthesis combined anesthesia was used - intravenous or inhalational anesthesia with regional anesthesia, endotracheal anesthesia in combination of epidural one. Infusion therapy, antibacterial therapy, anticoagulation reversal and anaesthesis were provided to all patients. Complications at anesthesia: arterial hypotension – 12 (5,1 %), “agitation” after anesthesia with Sevoflurane – 32 (13,6 %), long postanesthesia respiratory depression – 2 (0,9 %). No lethal outcomes. Conclusions . It’s up to anesthesiologist to choose the type of anesthesia, it depends on timelines of surgical help, seriousness of the case, combination, extensiveness and trauma localization.

Evaluation of the Anaesthetic Efficacy of 4% Articaine with 1:200000 Epinephrine Versus 2% Lignocaine with 1:200000 Epinephrine in Simple Extractions of Mandibular Posterior Teeth

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the anaesthetic efficacy of 4% articaine hydrochloride with epinephrine/adrenaline 1:200000 versus 2% lignocaine hydrochloride with epinephrine/adrenaline 1:200000 in extractions of permanent mandibular posterior teeth. Materials and methods: One hundred (100) patients were selected for the study in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology. Patients were equally but randomly divided into two different groups: i) Group 1-4% articaine solution; ii) Group 2-2% lignocaine solution, both with equal concentration of epinephrine (1:200000). Standardized clinical parameters included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score for each, Pain on injection, Intraoperative Pain, Onset of anaesthesia, Duration of anaesthesia, Need of reanaesthesia. Results: On statistical evaluation of the values obtained for each patient, it was observed that Group I (4% articaine with 1:200000 epinephrine) demonstrated low pain on injection, early onset of anaesthesia (shorter latency), low intraoperative pain and reasonable duration of soft tissue anaesthesia compared to Group II (2% lignocaine with 1:200000 epinephrine) that demonstrated slow onset, more intraoperative pain and minimally longer duration of soft tissue anaesthesia. Conclusion: it can be stated that Septanest (4% articaine hydrochloride with 1:2000000 epinephrine) may be preferred to Xylocaine (2% lignocaine hydrochloride with 1:2000000 epinephrine) in simple minor oral surgical procedures.

Effects of Two Different Anesthetic Solutions on Injection Pain, Efficacy, and Duration of Soft-Tissue Anesthesia with Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block for Primary Molars

The purpose of the study was to compare the efficacy, injection pain, duration of soft tissue anesthesia, and postoperative complications of two different anesthetics (2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine and 3% plain mepivacaine) in pediatric patients in inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) administered by a computer-controlled delivery system (CCDS). The study was conducted as a randomized, controlled-crossover, double-blind clinical trial with 60 children requiring bilateral pulpotomy or extraction of primary mandibular molars. A CCDS was used to deliver 3% mepivacaine to 1 primary tooth and 2% lidocaine to the contralateral tooth with an IANB technique. Severity of pain and efficacy of anesthesia were evaluated using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability Scale, and comfort and side effects were assessed using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon t, and Fisher exact tests. Patients receiving 2% lidocaine experienced significantly less pain during injection than those receiving 3% mepivacaine, and no significant differences were found in the pain scores during treatments or in postoperative complications between the two anesthetics. The mean durations of anesthesia for 3% mepivacaine and 2% lidocaine were 139.68 minutes and 149.10 minutes, respectively. Plain mepivacaine and 2% lidocaine were similarly effective in pulpotomy and the extraction of primary mandibular molars. Although the use of 3% mepivacaine provided a shorter duration of anesthesia than 2% lidocaine, both solutions showed similar results in terms of postoperative complications.

Comparison of two epinephrine concentrations in an articaine solution for local anesthesia in children.

Painless dental treatment is of major interest in pediatric dentistry. Local anesthesia contains epinephrine, which prolongs soft tissue anesthesia.This, however, is often a source of iscomfort for children and is responsible for certain side effects (e.g., self-inflicted soft tissue lesions). The aim of this study was to investigate whether an epinephrine-reduced articaine solution could reduce the duration of soft tissue anesthesia and thereby reduce the risk of self-inflicted soft tissue lesions, while still providing an adequate anesthesia. In a non-interventional clinical study, routine dental treatment was performed on children and adolescents. An articaine 4% solution with an epinephrine-reduced solution (Ubistesin™ mite, 1:400,000) and a conventional epinephrine solution (Ubistesin™ forte, 1:100,000) were compared in terms of duration of soft tissue anesthesia. One hundred and fifty-eight patients (mite: 75, forte: 83) were treated (80% with infiltration anesthesia). In both groups, the average volume of the injection was comparable (mite: 1.2 ml, forte: 1.1 ml). One patient from each group showed unwanted side effects. In both groups, the local anesthesia was complete or sufficient (96%) to perform the planned treatment. The average treatment time was 24 minutes in the mite group and 28 minutes in the forte group. The difference in mean duration of soft tissue anesthesia was statistically significant (p = 0.001, mite: 2.1 h, forte: 2.8 h). Thanks to its high efficacy, tolerance, and reduced soft tissue anesthesia, the articaine 4% solution with the reduced epinephrine concentration (1:400,000) was considered a safe and suitable drug for routine treatments in pediatric dentistry.

Comparison of two epinephrine concentrations in an articaine solution for local anesthesia in children.

Painless dental treatment is of major interest in pediatric dentistry. Local anesthesia contains epinephrine, which prolongs soft tissue anesthesia.This, however, is often a source of iscomfort for children and is responsible for certain side effects (e.g., self-inflicted soft tissue lesions). The aim of this study was to investigate whether an epinephrine-reduced articaine solution could reduce the duration of soft tissue anesthesia and thereby reduce the risk of self-inflicted soft tissue lesions, while still providing an adequate anesthesia. In a non-interventional clinical study, routine dental treatment was performed on children and adolescents. An articaine 4% solution with an epinephrine-reduced solution (Ubistesin™ mite, 1:400,000) and a conventional epinephrine solution (Ubistesin™ forte, 1:100,000) were compared in terms of duration of soft tissue anesthesia. One hundred and fifty-eight patients (mite: 75, forte: 83) were treated (80% with infiltration anesthesia). In both groups, the average volume of the injection was comparable (mite: 1.2 ml, forte: 1.1 ml). One patient from each group showed unwanted side effects. In both groups, the local anesthesia was complete or sufficient (96%) to perform the planned treatment. The average treatment time was 24 minutes in the mite group and 28 minutes in the forte group. The difference in mean duration of soft tissue anesthesia was statistically significant (p = 0.001, mite: 2.1 h, forte: 2.8 h). Thanks to its high efficacy, tolerance, and reduced soft tissue anesthesia, the articaine 4% solution with the reduced epinephrine concentration (1:400,000) was considered a safe and suitable drug for routine treatments in pediatric dentistry.

Phentolamine mesylate: It's role as a reversal agent for unwarranted prolonged local analgesia.

Administration of local anesthesia is an integral procedure prior to dental treatments to minimize the associated pain. It is learned that its effect stays more than the time required for the dental procedure to be completed. This prolonged soft tissue anesthesia (STA) can be detrimental, inconvenient, and unnecessary. Phentolamine mesylate, a Food and Drug Administration-approved drug essentially serves the purpose of faster recovery from numbness at the site of local anesthesia. This article reviews the development of the drug phentolamine mesylate and its indication as a local anesthetic reversal agent. A literature search for phentolamine mesylate as a STA reversal agent was conducted in PubMed using the terms "dental local anesthesia reversal, phentolamine mesylate" up to March 2014. The search was limited to articles published in English. The search revealed 13 PubMed indexed articles stating the development and application of phentolamine mesylate. Phentolamine mesylate is an important step in the progress of developing patient care as well as an aid to the dental clinician.

The efficacy of an elevated concentration of lidocaine HCl in impacted lower third molar surgery.

BackgroundThere have been few studies on the effect of an elevated concentration of lidocaine hydrochloride in the surgical removal of an impacted lower third molar. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of 4% lidocaine along with 1:100,000 epinephrine compared to 2% lidocaine along with 1:100,000 epinephrine as inferior alveolar nerve block for the removal of an impacted lower third molar.MethodsThis single-blind study involved 31 healthy patients (mean age: 23 y; range: 19-33 y) with symmetrically impacted lower third molars as observed on panoramic radiographs. Volunteers required 2 surgical interventions by the same surgeon with a 3-week washout period. The volunteers were assigned either 4% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine or 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine as local anesthetic during each operation.ResultsWe recorded the time of administration, need for additional anesthetic administration, total volume of anesthetic used. We found that the patient's preference for either of the 2 types of local anesthetic were significantly different (P < 0.05). However, the extent of pulpal anesthesia, surgical duration, and duration of soft tissue anesthesia were not significantly different.ConclusionsOur study suggested that inferior alveolar nerve block using 4% lidocaine HCl with 1:100,000 epinephrine as a local anesthetic was clinically more effective than that using 2% lidocaine HCl with 1:100,000 epinephrine; the surgical duration was not affected, and no clinically adverse effects were encountered.

Validation of data on the use of twin mix in minor oral surgery: comparative evaluation of efficacy of twin mix versus 2 % lignocaine with 1:200000 epinephrine based on power analysis and an UV spectrometry study for chemical stability of the mixture

There is convincing evidence supporting the addition of dexamethasone to lignocaine and its administration as an intra-space injection to achieve benefit of a single dose steroid after third molar surgery. This study was undertaken to validate the existing data on the use of twin mix in minor oral surgery based on power analysis, statistical sample size estimation and an ultraviolet (UV) spectrometry study for chemical stability of the mixture. A prospective, randomized, double-blind trial was designed to validate the pilot study on the efficacy of twin mix and 2% lignocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine in the surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars. Clinical parameters of anaesthetic latency, anaesthetic duration, efficacy of twin mix as an anaesthetic and post-operative patient discomfort were assessed. The stability of active ingredients in the solution was assessed using a double beam UV-visible spectrophotometery. The results of the study showed better post-operative outcome with administration of dexamethasone and lignocaine as an intra-space injection in decreasing the post-operative patient discomfort. The anaesthetic efficacy of the twin-mix admixture was found statistically similar to the control solution of 2% lignocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine. The λmax recorded for dexamethasone and local anaesthetic individually was obtained with the twin-mix solution, which indicated no change in the active pharmacological compounds. Clinical anaesthetic efficacy of twin mix is comparable to 2% lignocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine when administered in the pterygomandibular space with the additional advantage of a single prick co-administration of dexamethasone with local anaesthetic, lesser sting of the local anaesthetic injection, shorter anaesthetic latency, prolonged duration of the soft tissue anaesthesia and decrease in post-operative discomfort after the oral surgical procedure.

Clinical efficacy of a computerised device (STA™) and a pressure syringe (VarioJect INTRA™) for intraligamentary anaesthesia

To evaluate the impact of experience whilst using different devices for intraligamentary anaesthesia, dental students tested clinical anaesthetic efficacy of a mechanical (PDL-S) and a computer-controlled (CCLAD) application system in restorative patients. In a prospective study, 41 Patients in need of restorative treatment in lower posterior mandible were randomised into three groups (PDL-S: teeth n = 22; CCLAD: teeth n = 20; inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB): teeth n = 20). Dental last year students conducted anaesthesia and dental treatment. Primary objectives were differences in pain during treatment [numeric rating scale (NRS)] as well as in anaesthetic efficacy (complete/sufficient vs. insufficient/no effect) between PDL-S and CCLAD. Pain of injection, need for second injections, amount of anaesthetic solution and duration of local numbness were assessed. IANB as gold standard was compared to each system descriptively. PDL-S had a significant lower pain during treatment (P = 0.017) but a similar anaesthetic efficacy (P = 0.175) compared to the CCLAD system. Concerning pain of injection (P = 0.42), quantity of second injections (P = 0.232), amount of used solution (P = 0.073) as well as duration of local numbness (P = 0.253), no differences were seen. When comparing both periodontal ligament injection (PDL)-systems with IANB, pain rating was higher when using CCLAD. Injection pain, amount of used solution as well as soft tissue anaesthesia was less for PDL-S and CCLAD. Both PDL techniques showed a good success for dental routine treatments. Although, compared to the mechanic device, the CCLAD system might need more clinical daily experience. We recommend including specific trainings in intraligamentary anaesthesia in the dental curriculum.

Comparison of acceptance, preference and efficacy between pressure anesthesia and classical needle infiltration anesthesia for dental restorative procedures in adult patients.

Introduction:Intraoral local anesthesia is essential for delivering dental care. Needless devices have been developed to provide anesthesia without injections. Little controlled research is available on its use in dental restorative procedures in adult patients. The aims of this study were to compare adult patients acceptability and preference for needleless jet injection with classical local infiltration as well as to evaluate the efficacy of the needleless anesthesia.Materials and Methods:Twenty non fearful adults with no previous experience of dental anesthesia were studied using split-mouth design. The first procedure was performed with classical needle infiltration anesthesia. The same amount of anesthetic solution was administered using MADA jet needleless device in a second session one week later, during which a second dental restorative procedure was performed. Patients acceptance was assessed using Universal pain assessment tool while effectiveness was recorded using soft tissue anesthesia and pulpal anesthesia. Patients reported their preference for the anesthetic method at the third visit. The data was evaluated using chi square test and student's t-test.Results:Pressure anesthesia was more accepted and preferred by 70% of the patients than traditional needle anesthesia (20%). Both needle and pressure anesthesia was equally effective for carrying out the dental procedures.Conclusion:Patients experienced significantly less pain and fear (p<0.01) during anesthetic procedure with pressure anesthesia. However, for more invasive procedures needle anesthesia will be more effective.

Levobupivacaine vs. bupivacaine for third molar surgery: quality of anaesthesia, postoperative analgesia and local vascular effects

The main purpose of this prospective, double-blind, randomized study was to evaluate anaesthetic parameters, postoperative analgesia and vasoactive properties of levobupivacaine and bupivacaine for lower third molar surgery. Sixty patients (ASA I) were scheduled for lower third molar surgery under inferior alveolar nerve block, lingual nerve block and buccal nerve block (mandibular nerve blocks) obtained with 3 ml of 0.5 % levobupivacaine and 3 ml of 0.5 % bupivacaine. Success rate, onset and duration of three nerve bocks were evaluated by electrical pulp testing, pinprick testing and signs of soft tissue anaesthesia (patient-reported numbness). Intensity of intraoperative anaesthesia and postoperative analgesia were measured with visual analogue scale (VAS) and numeric rating scale (NRS). The time of first postoperative pain reported and analgesic consumption were also recorded. The laser Doppler flowmetry was used for the measurement of the first premolar pulpal blood flow. There were no differences between levobupivacaine and bupivacaine regarding the success rate, onset and duration of mandibular nerve blocks as well as intensity of postoperative analgesia and analgesic consumption. Intensity of intraoperative anaesthesia and duration of postoperative analgesia were significantly higher in the levobupivacaine than in the bupivacaine group. Both anaesthetics showed similar biphasic vasoactive effect. Levobupivacaine 0.5 % achieved superiority over bupivacaine 0.5 % in the intensity of intraoperative anaesthesia and duration of postoperative analgesia for lower third molar surgery under the mandibular nerve blocks. It seems that the plain levobupivacaine (0.5 %) could be an effective alternative to plain bupivacaine (0.5 %) in those dental procedures which require profound bone and soft tissue anaesthesia.

Comparative clinical evaluation of different epinephrine concentrations in 4 % articaine for dental local infiltration anesthesia

The aims of this study were to compare and evaluate the clinical anesthetic efficacy of five 4% articaine solutions with and without epinephrine in pulpal anesthesia after infiltration. In a randomized, double-blinded, crossover study, ten volunteers received local anesthesia infiltration in the maxillary right central incisor with five different solutions (4% articaine + epinephrine 1:100,000, + epinephrine 1:200,000, + epinephrine 1:300,000, + epinephrine 1:400,000, without epinephrine). Electronic pulp tester was used to calculate the onset, utilization time, time to recede, and the surface integral under the time-effect curve. Additionally, cardiovascular parameters and post-experimental soft tissue anesthesia were examined. Onset as well as time to recede was not influenced by the epinephrine concentration. When using the epinephrine-free agent, time to recede was significantly shorter. Upon decreasing epinephrine concentration, duration of pulpal anesthesia and total anesthetic efficacy declined. The shortest time of anesthesia and lowest anesthetic efficacy were seen for the solution without epinephrine. No association was found between the local anesthetic drug and cardiovascular parameters. Soft tissue anesthesia was significantly shorter without epinephrine. This study shows the substantial benefits of vasoconstrictors in dental infiltration anesthesia. These findings were reflected by means of prolonged and deeper therapeutic effect in a dose-dependent manner. Even when utilizing agents with reduced amount of epinephrine, a safe anesthesia is possible. The epinephrine-free solutions resulted in a distinct limitation of utilization time and efficacy.

Comparative Analysis of the Anesthetic Efficacy of 0.5 and 0.75% Ropivacaine for Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Surgical Removal of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars.

Ropivacaine belongs to pipecoloxylidide group of local anesthetics. There are reports supporting the use of ropivacaine as a long acting local anesthetic in oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, with variable data on the concentration that is clinically suitable. A prospective randomized double-blind study protocol was undertaken to assess the efficacy of 0.5 and 0.75% ropivacaine for inferior alveolar nerve block in surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. A total of 60 procedures were performed, of which thirty patients received 0.5% and thirty received 0.75% concentration of the study drug. All the patients in both the study groups reported subjective numbness of lip and tongue. The time of onset was longer for 0.5% ropivacaine when compared to 0.75% solution. 90% of the study patients in 0.5% ropivacaine group reported pain corresponding to VAS ≥3 during bone guttering and 93.3% patients reported pain corresponding to VAS >4 during tooth elevation. None of the patients in 0.75% ropivacaine group reported VAS >3 at any stage of the surgical procedure. The duration of soft tissue anesthesia recorded with 0.75% ropivacaine was average 287.57±42.0min. 0.75% ropivacaine was found suitable for inferior alveolar nerve blocks in surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars.